Philadelphia, PA —The Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) today announced the release of its 2024 Annual Report, a detailed account of the agency’s growing impact in building a more transparent, accountable, and community-centered system of policing in Philadelphia.
The 2024 Annual Report details a year of significant progress for CPOC, despite a challenging national environment for police oversight agencies. Under the leadership of Executive Director Tonya McClary, Esq., who was appointed in May 2024, CPOC has taken major steps to strengthen its oversight functions, engage the public, and advocate for systemic reforms.
“Even with the challenges we faced in 2024, CPOC remained resolutely committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and trust between the community and law enforcement,” said McClary. “Our work is helping to shape a future that is safer, fairer, and filled with opportunities for every Philadelphian.”
Key highlights from the 2024 Annual Report include:
- Creating a new Data Analytics and Accountability Insights Division to meet reporting requirements, track data trends, and bring more transparency to how the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) uses force and handles misconduct.
- Launching the Auditing, Policy, and Research Division to audit Internal Affairs investigations, make policy recommendations, and improve community reporting.
- 2024 also saw increased auditing functions, including the ability to conduct real-time auditing of complaints against police.
- Reporting monthly on police misconduct complaints received by CPOC, building greater public awareness of the issues Philadelphians are raising.
- Expanding community education efforts through the development of new policing curricula and social media campaigns that offer real-time updates and residents’ rights education.
- Collaborating with law enforcement, including regular meetings with police leadership to review policies, raise concerns, and work collaboratively on improvements.
- Organizing public advocacy efforts, including writing an op-ed and conducting outreach to educate the community about the need for independent investigations of police misconduct.
- Providing testimony to Philadelphia City Council during the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) contract hearing, explaining that the current police contract remains a major barrier to CPOC conducting independent investigations—with strong support from residents and community partners.
- Announcing a major policy victory: CPOC’s call for independent investigations has now been included in the City’s proposals for a new police contract.
While celebrating these accomplishments, CPOC’s report also underscores the continued challenges the agency faces, including resource limitations and barriers to achieving full independence. “We have made meaningful strides, but our work is far from finished,” McClary said. “To truly serve the people of Philadelphia, we must continue to fight for full independence and grow the agency’s capacity.”
“As a new agency, we recognize that building trust takes time,” Interim Chair Hassan Bennett said. “We are committed to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration and to earning the trust of Philadelphians.”
Looking ahead to 2025, CPOC plans to expand staffing, enhance data reporting, build new internal divisions, and strengthen partnerships with community organizations to ensure diverse voices guide the agency’s work.
The full 2024 Annual Report is available on CPOC’s website.
Media Inquiries:
For more information, please contact Jodie Eichel at (215) 685-0891, Jodie.Eichel@phila.gov
About the Citizens Police Oversight Commission:
The Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) is an independent oversight agency designed to ensure the just, transparent, and efficient administration of criminal justice in Philadelphia. CPOC is committed to conducting fair and timely investigations into police conduct, enhancing the quality of internal investigations, and fostering community engagement and trust. Phila.gov/CPOC